Rotavirus vaccine, live, pentavalent (By mouth)

Introduction:

Rotavirus Vaccine, Live, Pentavalent

Prevents infants and children from getting rotavirus infection.

Brand Name(s):

RotaTeq

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give your child this vaccine. It is given by mouth.
• Your child should receive 3 doses of this medicine. The first dose should be given at 6 to 12 weeks of age. The second dose should be given 4 to 10 weeks later, and the third dose is given 4 to 10 weeks after the second dose. The last dose should be given to your child by 32 weeks of age.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If your child missed the scheduled dose, call your child's doctor for another appointment.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if your child is receiving a treatment that may weaken the immune system. This may include radiation therapy, steroid medicine (such as cortisone, dexamethasone, prednisone, Cortef®, Medrol®), or medicines to treat cancer (such as doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, Adriamycin®, Cycloblastin®, Cytoxan®, Etopophos®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if your child had any previous vaccinations or a blood transfusion, has a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, a blood disease, or any type of cancer. Tell your doctor if your child had abdominal surgery or was born with digestive problems, including a blocked bowel. Your doctor should also know if your child has not been gaining weight, is not growing as expected, or has a weak immune system because of a disease (such as HIV or AIDS) or a medicine (such as steroids).
• Tell your doctor if your child spends time with a person who has health problems, such as someone you live with. This is especially important if your child is with a person who has problems with his or her immune system.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Fever.
• Pain on urination, or a change in how much or how often your child urinates.
• Problems with hearing, or fluid draining from the ear.
• Runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, or trouble breathing.
• Seizures.
• Sudden stomach pain, red or black stools, or changes in your child's bowel movements.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach.
• Unusual irritability.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: